Excel FORMULATEXT – See Formula Instead of Result

Tired of squinting at complex formulas and wondering what they do? Do you crave a deeper understanding of the calculations behind those seemingly magical cells? If so, then you need to meet Excel’s FORMULATEXT function—your ticket to unveiling the hidden secrets of your spreadsheets.

In this blog post, we’ll dive into the world of FORMULATEXT, learning how to use this powerful function to see the formulas behind results, troubleshoot errors, and gain a deeper appreciation for the inner workings of your spreadsheets. Let’s get started!

H2: Unmasking Formulas with FORMULATEXT

FORMULATEXT is like a secret decoder ring for Excel. It allows you to see the actual formula behind a result, even if the formula is hidden or complex. To use FORMULATEXT, simply select the cell containing the result you want to investigate and type “=FORMULATEXT()” in the formula bar. Hit Enter, and voila! You’ll see the formula that produced the result.

For example, let’s say you have a cell with the value 100, and you want to know how that value was calculated. Select the cell, type “=FORMULATEXT()”, and press Enter. You’ll see the formula that produced the result, such as “=A1+B1”. This tells you that the value in cell A1 was added to the value in cell B1 to produce the result in the selected cell.

H2: Troubleshooting Errors with FORMULATEXT

FORMULATEXT can also be a lifesaver when troubleshooting errors in your spreadsheets. If you’re getting an error message, such as #REF! or #DIV/0!, using FORMULATEXT can help you quickly identify the source of the problem.

To troubleshoot an error, select the cell containing the error and type “=FORMULATEXT()” in the formula bar. Hit Enter, and you’ll see the formula that’s causing the error. This can help you identify any typos, circular references, or other issues that may be causing the error.

For example, if you’re getting a #REF! error, FORMULATEXT can help you identify the cell that’s being referenced incorrectly. If you’re getting a #DIV/0! error, FORMULATEXT can help you identify the cells that are being divided by zero. Once you know the source of the error, you can take steps to correct it.

H2: Unveiling the Secrets of Complex Formulas

FORMULATEXT can also be a valuable tool for understanding complex formulas. If you’re working with a spreadsheet that contains complex formulas, using FORMULATEXT can help you break down the formulas into smaller, more manageable steps. This can make it easier to understand how the formulas work and to identify any potential issues.

To unveil the secrets of a complex formula, simply select the cell containing the formula and type “=FORMULATEXT()” in the formula bar. Hit Enter, and you’ll see the formula broken down into its individual components. You can then use the Formula Evaluator to step through the formula one step at a time, seeing how each step contributes to the final result.

FAQ:

• Q: Can I use FORMULATEXT to see the formulas in hidden cells?
• A: Yes, FORMULATEXT can be used to see the formulas in hidden cells. Simply select the hidden cell and type “=FORMULATEXT()” in the formula bar. Hit Enter, and you’ll see the formula for the hidden cell.
• Q: Can I use FORMULATEXT to troubleshoot errors in hidden cells?
• A: Yes, FORMULATEXT can be used to troubleshoot errors in hidden cells. Simply select the hidden cell and type “=FORMULATEXT()” in the formula bar. Hit Enter, and you’ll see the formula causing the error.
• Q: Can I use FORMULATEXT to see the formulas in protected cells?
• A: No, FORMULATEXT cannot be used to see the formulas in protected cells.